The Timing Follows An Informational Picket On September 1st

Spirit Airlines pilots notified management of their intent to amend their collective bargaining agreement.

The move is the first step towards negotiations, a formal requirement under Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act. The Air Line Pilots Association has assisted with the process, working as part of the Spirit ALPA Negotiating Committee. The parties were set to begin contract talks yesterday. Spirit pilots would normally have their collective bargaining agreement become amendable on March 1, 2023, but an early opener clause allows either party to begin negotiations 180 days prior. 

“For many months the Spirit Master Executive Council has repeatedly advocated for necessary improvements to compensation and work rules, warning that without these changes, pilots would continue to leave Spirit for airlines that offer better pay, working conditions, and career opportunities,” said Captain Ryan Muller, Spirit master executive council chair. “We look forward to beginning formal negotiations to bring about the changes necessary to stem attrition and make Spirit a career destination airline.”

The timing follows an informational picket on September 1st, when ALPA pilots kicked off the Labor Day weekend with a show of solidarity to airline management for a number of major carriers. “When ALPA pilots stand shoulder to shoulder in support of shared goals, people notice—our airlines notice.” The picket was intended to “support the profession-wide goal of improved working conditions and benefits”, something many pilots feel is sorely needed following the taxing experiences of the pandemic and its lingering aftereffects. 

FMI: www.ALPA.org